Aaaah!Where to begin?

I downloaded GIMP 2.6 a not too long ago and am still banging my head against my desk trying to figure it out. I am also not sure if I am missing something from the download (?). I get this message when I open Gimp up: "please re-load tablet software" I had a draw tablet program installed in 2004 on my computer but have not used it since 2006. Not sure if its a component to GIMP or if Gimp software detected the old Draw pad program?

I have been to YouTube, the manuel, etc., there is tons of info out there but I need to know the very basics (in kindegarden terms) to start out with and I'm not so sure if its a glitch in my program or finding the right instructions for my 2.6 version.: How to work with layers (wich layer do I need to be on to either add makeup, change background, turn someone into a monster,etc ),channels,set up Toolbox Everything.

I have worked with Adobe photoshop(v 1.1) and Corel paint many years ago but I haven't worked with any digital art software since.

Could someone PLease,please,please.....pretty please help me? Any and all help is very greatly appreciated

The message about your tablet maybe or may not be Gimp's. If you don't use your tablet, de-install it. If it appear in its own window/Message box, there are Tools in Windows to tell you what process is displaying a window, so you will know if it's Gimp or some tablet driver that is issuing the message.

For layers, the basic principle is that you add a layer each time you add a component, so whatever you have added is easy to remove (just make that layer invisible). The layer is of course transparent outside of what you add so that the layers below show up through. Changing a background requires to "extract" the foreground or to make the old background transparent. Hard to be more specific without writing a whole book.

(Apr 23, 2011 13:45)Achilles77 Wrote: I get this message when I open Gimp up: "please re-load tablet software" I had a draw tablet program installed in 2004 on my computer but have not used it since 2006.

Most likely there is still a driver on your system that makes it look like the tablet is still installed. Since you don't use it anymore we can hopefully just disable it in Gimp and you won't get the error message anymore. From Gimp's Image window, click on Edit > Preferences. In the Preferences dialog look down the list for Input Devices, and then under that Input Controllers. Click on Input Controllers and on the right side of the screen you should now see any devices that Gimp sees on your system (mouse, keyboard, etc.). If there is one listed for your tablet, double click on it and un-check the box that says "Enable this controller". Once you close that box, click on the left pointing arrow to move the controller out of the Active Controllers area and back to Available Controllers. After closing the dialogs, shut down Gimp and then restart it. Do you still get the error message?

If you do, the next step would be to try uninstalling any software or drivers related to your tablet, or to disable the driver for the tablet. In order to help further with that I would need to know what operating system you are using.

(Apr 23, 2011 13:45)Achilles77 Wrote: I have been to YouTube, the manuel, etc., there is tons of info out there but I need to know the very basics (in kindegarden terms) to start out with and I'm not so sure if its a glitch in my program or finding the right instructions for my 2.6 version.: How to work with layers (wich layer do I need to be on to either add makeup, change background, turn someone into a monster,etc ),channels,set up Toolbox Everything.

Well, Everything is a pretty tall order, and I'm not sure I could fit it all in one message. Luckily though, getting started is somewhat easier than that, and you don't actually need to know everything all at once. Your best bet for basic info is the official Gimp web site at www.gimp.org. You can first check out the tutorials, they have some good beginner stuff there. Also, take a look at the online documentation, particularly the user manual (available in several languages even!). Starting with the first section, imaginatively titled "Getting Started", they walk you through all the basics of how the tools work and how to use the interface.

Beyond that, the best tip I can offer is to experiment. Remember, you can't break anything. Try out the tools and play with the different modes and adjustments to get a feel for what they do. Read through the user manual with a copy of Gimp running. As you read about it, try it out. Create a new, blank image (File > New) and scribble with the pencil, doodle with the brushes, play with creating a bunch of different gradients. You can always hit Ctrl-Z to undo, or simply close the image you're working with and make a new one.

And, of course, if you do get stuck with something (hopefully a little more specific than everything ) you can always ask here. There are several folks on this site that will be more than happy to help you figure out how to apply makeup to your girlfriend's picture, or turn her into a monster. But you're on your own about what to do if she sees the image.

When I wrote my plea for help I had hit a dead end and it was definately time for me to go to bed....LOL. I will be more specific and detailed in my next post. I think I was expecting to learn the GIMP quickly...again LOL. I know its going to take more patience and BTW just so everyone knows I am a girl with an ex-boyfriend, and I was looking to do a "improvement" on my photo but not do so much as to be considered a "false advertisement" lol. I do have several projects in the works that I want to get to, but I have to learn to be more patient with myself and not stay up all night ;P. (I know I'm going to be having those "Oh Duh! moments)

Thank you both for your input it was very helpful. I look forward to reading more posts.

Aaahh yes, the infamous "Its 4 a.m. and this stupid program won't work right!" problem. I've run into that one a few times myself. Not a problem, its all part of the learning curve. And just remember... those "Oh Duh!" moments when looked at from another perspective are also known as "Eureka!" moments. The instant where that little light bulb over your head goes on and you realize "Oh! So that's how it works!"

I'll have to check the rules, but I'm pretty sure we let girls in here, so that shouldn't be a problem.
And if you like, we'll still help you change your ex-boyfriend's picture into a monster... or even worse, put makeup on him!